TACKLING!!! Plain and simple. One on one in the flat,or even after a short pass we are putting the player ON THE GROUND. In the past they make 8 more yards til help comes,but so far not this year. This is HUGE. The other thing we have eliminated for the most part is getting the defense off the field 3rd and long. These 2 things are what GOOD Football teams do. Hope we can keep it up.
The Biggest improvement and why the defense is looking so good.
- Thread starter etowncatfan
- Start date
I don't know. I still think tackling is shaky. What has improved is speed. There more people around the ball so there is someone to clean up the play after a broken tackle.
You are not going to win every tackling battle but we are winning most. Cornerback took a taller receiver immediately to the ground on 3rd and 5 and they came up a yard short and had to punt right in front of me. An NFL play IMO!!
The frontline D is impressive. When is the last time we had a lineman lead the team in tackles?
I think our front 7 are playing much more aggressive now than at the start of the season. Also the play calling has picked up a notch.
Our Lb's and Chris Westry playing guys one on one allowing help elsewhere.
There are a lot of good and valid answers in this thread. I think the biggest thing causing our improved defense is the guy in the baseball cap on the sideline. Stoops' recruiting and defensive mind are finally playing-out on the field - and I love it!
If Stoops weren't a head coach at this point in his career he would be talked about as someone's defensive guru or genius. He's not perfect, and is obviously still learning his new role, but his defensive coaching ability is a known and proven skill.
Go Cats!
If Stoops weren't a head coach at this point in his career he would be talked about as someone's defensive guru or genius. He's not perfect, and is obviously still learning his new role, but his defensive coaching ability is a known and proven skill.
Go Cats!
1) We're doing a great job of disguising coverage. We confused one of the most experienced QB's in the country last night.
2) The overall team speed is much better than it once was. Everyone flies to the ball, even 300 lbs DE's.
3) Our tackling is better, but not elite, just yet.
4) We have experience and talent at every position (and it's just going to get better). Plus, the players we have now fit our "multiple" scheme. No more playing 4-3 DE's in a 3-4 scheme.
5) Our players have "bought into" the scheme and understand their role.
Our coaches know what they're doing. Enjoy the ride.
2) The overall team speed is much better than it once was. Everyone flies to the ball, even 300 lbs DE's.
3) Our tackling is better, but not elite, just yet.
4) We have experience and talent at every position (and it's just going to get better). Plus, the players we have now fit our "multiple" scheme. No more playing 4-3 DE's in a 3-4 scheme.
5) Our players have "bought into" the scheme and understand their role.
Our coaches know what they're doing. Enjoy the ride.
I would agree still some shaky talking at times but the physicality of the tackling is absolutely at a higher level. IMHO this has been one of the areas CMS has brought improve year of year with the type of players being recruited and in the way they are being coached up.
